Larry Cash, project manager with the state Department of Transportation, which ran the meeting, said during the meeting the department will work with the city so that construction is underway next year, she said.

Mayor Alex B. Morse said he has pushed for the construction to happen next year instead of in 2014.

“This project is critical to the revitalization of Downtown Holyoke and our community stakeholders recognize the importance of this project in connecting our downtown neighborhoods and promoting a walkable and bikeable city,” Morse said.

The Canalwalk is a pedestrian walkway along the scenic canals that serve the hydroelectric dam owned by the Holyoke Gas and Electric Department.

The multiphase project would be a promenade linking City Hall, Holyoke Heritage State Park, the Holyoke Children’s Museum, businesses, artists’ studios, galleries and other destinations, officials have said.

The Canalwalk’s Phase I is done and is at the first-level canal across from Heritage Park and between Appleton and Dwight streets.

The second phase would go along the entire Race Street block between Appleton and Dwight streets. The work will include improvements to the former rail bridge and to sidewalks on Appleton and Dwight Streets, Mendrala said.

The city has $5.3 million in city, state and federal funding for the multiphase project, she said.

Phase I cost $700,000. Phase II will cost $2.4 million because that includes renovating the rail bridge and dealing with longer distances and more improvements such as adding more trees and seating than in Phase I, she said.